As our city grows so do our parks and programs. Welcome to the new and improved newsletter for Park Stewards!
In This Issue
New Volunteers
News Stewardship Success
Native Landscape News
Events
Stewardship Stats
New Volunteers
We are so thankful for our latest volunteers that have taken on Park, Trail and Eco Steward assignments!
Shout out to -
Dana Stopinski
London Johnson
Dauphin Flores
Jacquiesce Rodgers
Meredith Boyd
Kathy Spino
Michelle Rigby
Tim Shober
Nana Boateng
Randy Hamill
Peyton Gatti
Christine Willingham
Emily Ware
Noah Smith
Leslie Hayes
Diane McCluskey
Yana Mitya
Irina Zhak
Yana Mitya
Brandy Hewitt
These stewards have all joined our team of park support since January!
Thank you and Welcome!
News
Parks and Outdoors Plan Passes Council Approval
In June the proposed Parks and Outdoors Plan was unanimously adopted by City Council. This approval will propel the Parks and Outdoors Department forward to Fix, Connect, Build and Preserve a city wide parks system that serves all residents.
Stewardship Success
Our stewardship numbers are climbing and our opportunites have seen increased involvement and particiaption both in events and in individual stewardship. Included in this was a unique opportunity for volunteers to support overdue and much needed maintenance at the Skatepark in advance of Go Skate Day. We had an excellent turn out and effort by all involved.
For this we are grateful - Thank you!
Native Landscape News
Goats!
Why did we have goats in our park? Goats eat plants and vegetation that are traditionally managed by machines and chemicals. The goats were activated to help clear some weeds at the Stringer's Ridge Spears Avenue Pump Track. This particular meadow-type landscape has steep slopes that are hazardous and difficult for people to access. Invasive species such as tree of heaven, kudzu, wintercreeper, Japanese honeysuckle and privet are present. Other undesirable vegetation like small trees, blackberry briar and poison ivy were also targeted through this alternative landscape management method.
Managing the pumptrack with goats is one part of a long term goal to keep the track open and reduce invasive plant cover.
Safer than using chemicals (herbicides)
Less air pollution (no mowers, or machines)
Frees up staff time to work elsewhere
Prescribed burning of the site is not an option due to proximity of residential housing.
The goats can safely reach areas where crews cannot
General vegetation management
Events & Opportunities
In the past six months:
The Chattanooga Park Stewards Program engages individuals, civic groups, corporate groups, churches and schools for projects and tasks throughout our parks. Since January this year we have hosted:
Schools - McCallie, University of Louisville, Ooltewah High School, Collegedale Academy, and Hixson High School NHS.
Multiple Events - MLK Day, Stewardship Mixer, World Wetlands Day, Weed Wrangle, TN Tree Day, Earth Day, City Nature Challenge. .
Corporate groups - thank you to Signal Energy, Audacy, Unum and IIDA
Outreach events - World Water Day with East Lake Elementary School and Earth Day programming at Greenway Farm
